Category Archives for "Smart Spending"

Ask Chuck: What Should I Do With My Christmas Bonus?

Dear Chuck, I expect a decent year-end bonus and am trying to decide how best to use it. I want to grow our investment portfolio while my wife thinks we should pay off all debt. What would you recommend?  Blessed with a Bonus    Dear Blessed with a Bonus,  Congratulations! This is a nice problem […]

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Ask Chuck: Financing Fixer Upper Fever

Dear Chuck, I need your advice. My husband thinks we should get an installment loan to update our home. Although we can do a lot of the labor ourselves, we need materials, tools, and some professional labor to get what we both want. I would rather save for a year, but he has time in […]

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Ask Chuck: Breaking the Cycle of Overspending

Dear Chuck, My husband is tired of my overspending. I struggle living on the budget he’s made because I make quick purchases rather than planning ahead. Then I feel guilty defending my decisions when the bills arrive. How can I get out of this cycle? Spontaneous Spender   Dear Spontaneous,  Frist, be thankful you have […]

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Ask Chuck: Stewardship Through The Generations

Dear Chuck, I’m concerned about young couples I know who rely heavily upon credit cards. They appear to have no concern for the future. I don’t sense a desire to be good stewards in their approach to finances. Concerned Boomer   Dear Concerned Boomer, It is not only a perceived concern but a real one […]

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Ask Chuck: Get Rich Quick

Dear Chuck, We have a lot of debt. Rather than taking on another job or trying to excel at his current one, my husband is seeking money in undesirable places. He buys weekly lottery tickets, shops garage sales and thrift stores looking for “treasure.” Meanwhile, I’m teaching piano lessons in our home while trying to […]

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Ask Chuck: Is Low Price Better Than High Quality?

Dear Chuck, I like nice, quality things. My husband prefers lower prices. My perspective is that buying quality is better in the long run. Is there a right or wrong way to look at it?  We are stuck on which refrigerator to buy to replace the old one we have now. Needing A Compromise   […]

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Ask Chuck: What To Do If You’re House Poor

Dear Chuck, I see that mortgage rates are dropping. Several years ago, my husband and I bought more house than we really need. Is this the time to sell so we can purchase something more affordable? Our current home eats up 40% of our budget preventing us from saving and giving at a level we […]

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Ask Chuck: Financial Concerns for Elderly Parents

Dear Chuck, I don’t know how my parents are going to afford to live their projected lifespan. If they are concerned, they sure don’t live like it. I’m saving and investing as much as I can, but I’m not sure I could adequately come to their rescue. Need Hope Dear Hope, I understand your concern. […]

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Ask Chuck: Paying Off Christmas Debt

Dear Chuck, The bills have arrived and reality has hit. We splurged at Christmas and failed to keep track of everything we bought. We know now! Can you share some tips on paying off holiday debt and how to avoid ever doing this again? Pay! Pal   Dear Pay! Pal, It is easy to get […]

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